Music legend Pete Waterman has declared he will be the 'Mr Nasty' judge once more as he reunites with his old friend Simon Cowell for a major new Netflix talent show. The upcoming docuseries, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, will see the iconic duo join forces for the first time in 32 years since their Pop Idol days, with the explicit mission to find a new global boyband sensation.
The Return of the 'Mr Nasty' Judge
Waterman, 71, has made it clear that he will not be softening his approach for modern television. He insists that telling the raw truth is the only way to find genuine talent, a philosophy he believes led to the massive success of shows like Pop Idol and The X Factor, which once pulled in 20 million viewers. "I am not kind. You have to tell it how it is. You have to tell the truth," Waterman stated, showing no signs of mellowing with age.
He was particularly dismissive of the more measured criticism seen on shows like Strictly Come Dancing, and of recent documentaries where former boyband members have spoken out about the industry. "Empty vessels make the most noise," he remarked, indicating his focus remains squarely on the music and the talent.
A New One Direction-Style Phenomenon?
The six-part series, which launches on December 10, promises high stakes as Cowell and Waterman attempt to recreate the magic that produced the world's biggest bands. Waterman hinted that they may have already found a group with the potential to rival the success of One Direction. "I think we are desperate for a new boy band. I think we are desperate for anything from Britain aren't we?" he said, adding, "There is always room for another one, but it is just finding it. That is the art."
He lavished praise on Cowell's unique ability to pull off such a gamble, calling him "the best gambler in the world" and expressing his delight at working with him again. "It's great to be back working on a show like that again - I mean working with Simon is always a pleasure. It is great fun," Waterman shared.
Fame, Trains, and Lasting Pop Legacies
Despite his passion for the music business, Waterman expressed no envy for the intense fame that comes with Cowell's level of success. He is perfectly content to balance his industry work with his well-known hobby. "How do you cope with all that fame?" he pondered. "I want to go home at night and play with my trains!"
His admiration for genuine pop stardom remains undimmed, however. He singled out Harry Styles for his massive following and great image, and reflected on the phenomenal success of One Direction, acknowledging the revolutionary marketing machine that Cowell built around them. He also paid tribute to the enduring appeal of his own past proteges, Rick Astley and Kylie Minogue, marvelling that Astley's hit "Never Gonna Give You Up" is now featured in modern musical birthday cards, a testament to its timeless quality.
